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LS: Your Town Column November 23, 2008

The days before Thanksgiving are such a mishmash.

I started humming Christmas carols in the store while shopping for Thanksgiving dinner.

Amid the economic woes that have plagued the country recently, it’s important to be extra thankful this year for just having a roof overhead and food on the table to share.

For some, the holidays may not be a celebratory time, especially for those who have experienced a loss — be it the loss of a job, or a home, or of a loved one — it can make the holidays unbearable.

Thanksgiving this year marks the third anniversary of my younger sister’s passing. Our extended family will gather to watch football, partake of a fabulous feast and reminisce with much laughter about the sister, daughter, aunt, mother and wife we miss. Time has passed, and we are grateful for her enduring presence in our lives.

Her chair will be empty, but our hearts (and tummies) will be full.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado will host its annual Lights of Life memorial ceremonies to remember loved ones and celebrate the hope that Hospice brings to patients and their families in their greatest time of need.

Ceremonies are scheduled for:

• 5 p.m. Tuesday, at the De Beque Fire House, Fourth and Curtis in De Beque

The ceremonies are free and open to the public.
Call 683-4934 for more information.

• Emilee Westfall was installed as Worthy Adviser of Grand Junction Assembly No. 12 of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, during a ceremony Saturday, at the Masonic Center.
The I.O.R.G. is a non-profit organizations for girls ages 11-20 and teaches leadership through selfless service while stressing community service. Any interested girl can belong.
Call Ellen Rehwoldt at 434-4608 or Westfall at 523-5056 for information.

• An organization of Christian men and women who like to ride motorcycles meets for breakfast the third Saturday of the month at the Golden Corral.
To learn more about the group, call Wayne at 255-8113 or 261-5627.

• The Order of the Eastern Star Palisade Chapter 90 will have Friendship Night during its meeting Monday.
Dinner will be at 6:15 p.m., and the meeting at 7:30 p.m., at the Palisade Masonic Temple, West Fifth and Kluge streets.
The Dec. 8 gathering will include a Christmas party and cookies for shut-ins.
Call 464-5704 for information.